Concern the public has been led up the garden path over a long-held promise to boost the country's police force.

New police data shows of the Government's 1,800 new police officers, 270 are "authorised officers" and don't have arrest powers.

Act Party Leader David Seymour told Kate Hawkesby if 1,800 police are promised, people expect to see officers who can assist and arrest if there's a crime.

He says it doesn't mean they're not useful but they're not quite what the average person would think is a police officer.

Police Minister Ginny Andersen has told our newsroom Government’s commitment has always included these authorised officers.

LISTEN ABOVE

Concern the public has been led up the garden path over a long-held promise to boost the country's police force.
New police data shows of the Government's 1,800 new police officers, 270 are "authorised officers" and don't have arrest powers.
Act Party Leader David Seymour told Kate Hawkesby if 1,800 police are promised, people expect to see officers who can assist and arrest if there's a crime.
He says it doesn't mean they're not useful but they're not quite what the average person would think is a police officer.
Police Minister Ginny Andersen has told our newsroom Government’s commitment has always included these authorised officers.
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.